Just discovered wireless! Quick question...

[thinktank]

I'm, just learning about all of this and loving it, just one thing though; I am eyeing a wireless router/modem that has 4 switch ports, now what I don't understand is seeing as though it's a wireless device wouldn't the switch capability be wireless as well? What's the point in setting up a wireless network and then have to use wires just so you can share files?? Or have I got it all wrong?

Here's the router: http://www.dabs.com/uk/productView.html?quicklinx=33wd&familyid=0

[masraum]

The 4 port switch is so you can have the best of both worlds. If you have the router sitting right next to a desktop PC that never moves then you'd probably go ahead and just plug in. It would save you from having to buy a wireless card for that PC, and wired ethernet to a switch is a better connection than wireless anyway. Besides, if you ever need/want to upgrade the code on your router you'll likely want/need to do it over a wired connection anyway.

[thinktank]

Sweet, got it, thanks. One more thing, how many wireless devices could I then connect to this router? Is there a limit? If I had 6 computers and I wanted to network them wirelessly through this particular router, could I do it?

[keenanj]

most routers advertise up to 254 connected computers so you should be ok.

[thinktank]

Got it, thanks again, Jeff.